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Mickey Rooney, Laurence Olivier and Gregory Peck are three of my favourite actors. I also love Joseph Cotten and think he was somewhat underrated. But there are so many other top class actors who I admire too. It's too difficult to choose three!

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It's very difficult to select just three; but there are a few actors whose presence automatically elevates the film. Even if the film itself is not that great, just having certain favorite actors will make the film watchable if not enjoyable.

2) Errol Flynn, I don't know if much needs to be said. His charisma, impossible good looks and charm makes him enjoyable in any film he's in. He's very versatile and excellent in a variety of genres (action, western, drama). He's even got a flair for comedy. It's unfortunate that WB didn't cast him in more comedy roles. He's even excellent in a song and dance number in "Thank Your Lucky Stars." He's an underrated talent for sure.

3) Humphrey Bogart. His commanding screen presence and style of speaking is very interesting to watch in films. He really excelled once he was allowed out of the stereotypical gangster roles. The only thing negative I can say about Bogey, is that he was not very good at accents. Watch "Dark Victory" or "Virginia City" and you'll know what I'm talking about.

I also love:

-Montgomery Clift

-Gene Kelly

-Fred Astaire. But strangely enough, I prefer Fred in his films without Ginger Rogers. The celebrated Astaire/Rogers partnership doesn't do anything for me. But I love him in films with other dance partners (Rita Hayworth, Judy Garland, Cyd Charisse, etc) or when he dances alone. His dancing is more interesting in later films without Rogers.

-William Powell

I just saw this thread revived and saw my old reply from 5 years ago. I am happy to say that I have come around on my opinion of the Astaire/Rogers films. I now find them quite enjoyable.

While my favorite actors are still legitimate, I'm happy that I've watched so many different films in the last five years, that I can add so many more names to this list: